Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt
- ½ cup white sesame seeds
- ½ cup black sesame seeds
Why You'll Keep Making This
This seasoning adds a nutty, savory flavor to dishes with just a few simple ingredients. It’s a healthy alternative to salt and brings a unique texture that enhances many meals. Plus, it’s quick to make and keeps well for regular use.
Practical Cooking Tips
- Toast the sesame seeds lightly until golden for the best aroma and taste.
- Use a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder to crush the seeds and salt together evenly.
- Adjust the salt amount to suit your dietary needs and taste preferences.
- Use a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder to crush the seeds and salt together evenly.
- Adjust the salt amount to suit your dietary needs and taste preferences.
Directions
Heat a cast iron or heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan over medium heat. Add the salt and stir it around for about a minute until it’s warmed through. Pour the salt into a mortar. Next, add the sesame seeds to the same pan. Keep stirring them constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula until you start to smell their nutty aroma and they begin to crackle a bit. To check if they’re done, press the back of a stainless steel spoon against a few seeds—they should feel dry, not wet. Once toasted, transfer the seeds to the mortar and let them cool for a few minutes. When you’re ready, sit down with the mortar at hip level and use the pestle to grind everything together until the seeds break open and the salt turns into a coarse, sandy mixture.
Serving Options To Try
Sprinkle this seasoning over steamed vegetables, rice, salads, or even popcorn for an extra burst of flavor. It also works great as a finishing touch on grilled fish or tofu, adding a nice crunch and depth.
How To Store Leftovers
Store in an airtight container away from light and heat to maintain freshness. It can last several weeks when kept dry, so make small batches if you prefer the freshest flavor.
